Safety suggestions follow shooting involving girl with Uzi

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - The state's workplace safety agency has issued several recommendations that it says could help prevent accidental shootings like the one last year involving a 9-year-old girl with a mini Uzi.

Charles Joseph Vacca died in August after he stepped back to let the New Jersey girl hold the Uzi by herself. The gun's recoil wrenched it upward, killing him.

An investigation by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health found no serious violations. But the agency recommended having a range safety officer on site, limiting weapons selections for certain shooters and ensuring shooters are comfortable with weapons before they are placed on automatic.

The agency says a safety officer isn't required, but that person could have pointed out that Vacca was out of position when instructing the girl.